Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfax, VT (Mar 2023)
- Fairfax Solar Installation Cost: $11,552
- 25-Year Savings: $22,343
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfax
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Fairfax.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fairfax typically cost about 2.87. Since a 5.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Fairfax, the average price of going solar will be about $11,552 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Fairfax, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairfax
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,196 |
| 3 years | $-7,484 |
| 5 years | $-4,773 |
| 7 years | $-2,061 |
| 9 years | $650 |
| 11 years | $3,362 |
| 13 years | $6,074 |
| 15 years | $8,785 |
| 17 years | $11,497 |
| 19 years | $14,208 |
| 21 years | $16,920 |
| 23 years | $19,632 |
| 25 years | $22,343 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfax
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Fairfax:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Fairfax
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfax
For many Fairfax homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fairfax, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,870. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fairfax homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Fairfax, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.98 | $12,536 | $22,824 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $30,753 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $38,844 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $47,095 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $55,506 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $64,078 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $72,811 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $81,705 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Fairfax, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairfax?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairfax is about $14,350 for a 5-kW system and $28,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fairfax?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fairfax is currently $229,750, so you could be looking at a value of about $9,420 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fairfax is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Fairfax?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.